MAYOR BARAKA TO JOIN SHAVAR JEFFRIES FOR LIVESTREAM CONVERSATION:

NEWARK’S NATIVE SONS ‘IN HONOR OF DR. KING DAY’

ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, AT 6 P.M.

SHE Wins Inc. Founder and CEO A’Dorian Murray-Thomas

to launch and host livestream conversation series;

Mayor and social justice/education equity advocate will discuss

the last decade of progress in Newark, and their vision for its future

Newark, NJ—January 6, 2025—Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Newark activist Shavar Jeffries will hold a moderated 90-minute livestream conversation to discuss accomplishments and progress in Newark in light of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 6 p.m.

The conversation, livestreamed here, promises a lively, insightful exchange between the two former political rivals and longtime Newark educators, activists, and advocates. They will share past and current challenges and solutions, both personal and professional, as well as their visions for moving Newark forward, particularly in the area of education and literacy.

Essex County Board of Commissioners Member A’Dorian Murray-Thomas will serve as the discussion’s moderator. She is the Founder & CEO of SHE Wins Inc., a leadership and mentoring organization for girls who, like her, lost a loved one to gun violence. Born and raised in Newark, Ms. Murray-Thomas was the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark Board of Education, representing the largest school district in the state of New Jersey.

Mr. Jeffries has been an advocate for social justice and educational equity for more than two decades. He joined the KIPP Foundation as CEO in January 2023, a culmination of his many years as a champion for KIPP schools.

Who:               Mayor Ras J. Baraka

                        KIPP Foundation CEO and Newark education activist Shavar Jeffries

Essex County Board of Commissioners Member A’Dorian Murray-Thomas

What:             Will hold a moderated 90-minute livestream conversation to discuss progress and accomplishments in Newark during the last decade, and their vision for Newark’s future during the next decade and beyond.

When:            Thursday, January 9, 2025

6 p.m.

Where:          Livestreamed here.

-NEWARK-

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.newarknj.gov